Abstracts from the Claysville Recorder 1898-1899

The following transcription was submitted by Helen S. Durbin of Greene Co., PA for inclusion at the Genealogy in Washington Co., PA web site in October 1998.


Friday, July 1, 1898 

Donley 
Mangus Shaler has finished work on a sheep shed on the farm of William 
Mehaffey. 

Mr. And Mrs. Henry Chapman spent Friday at Mrs. Jane Sheller. 

Billy Miller has been out driving in a fine buggy that he purchased from 
George Sprowls. 


Friday July 8, 1898 Henry Chapman sold a flock of sheep to John Cunningham at $3.25 per head; another flock to Joe Cunningham at $4.00 per head.
Friday, July 15, 1898 West Alexander Parker McCammon, of Wheeling, was a guest in town on Sabbath last. Mrs. J.K. Davis of Wheeling Island, is spending the week with her grandmother, Mrs. Mary Gilfillan. Coon Island Miss Bessie Supler gave a party at her home on Monday evening to a number of the young folks of the neighborhood in honor of her guest, Miss Mary Rufus, Moundsville. There were thirty guests present and all spent an enjoyable evening. Claysville Elmer Duck, returned to the oil fields at Metz, W.Va., Monday, after being home on account of the illness of one of his children.
Friday, July 22, 1898 Donley The Zion Reunion The reunion of the old members of Zion United Brethern church and the people of the community in general will be held on Saturday, August 6, in Henry Chapman's woods, near the church. The program will be given next week. People attending should bring their dinners and spend the entire day. On the forenoon 2 short addresses will be given. In the afternoon there will be recitations, singing, and stories of long ago will be told by the older citizens. A short Sermon will also be preached especially for the aged folks by the pastor of Zion church, Rev. George C. Cooke, Anthony A. Mealy has consented to act as chairman of the day.
Friday, July 29, 1898 Donley The threshing firm of Slater and Miller has bought a new Champion thresher.
Friday, August 5, 1898 A.C. Chapman of Claysville, visiting at Henry Chapman's. George Keenan A well-knnown citizen of Acheson, was found dead in his bed, Monday morning, August 1, 1898. The trouble is supposed to have been heart disease and he was about 76 years of age. Mr. Keenan had retired in his usual health. His daughter, Miss Blanche, passed through his room, and laid a paper over his face. The morning milking and other work was done and Mr. Keenan, not having arisen, it was discovered that he was dead, and had probably expired, the early part of the night. He is survived by his wife, (nee Adams) and nine children. Mrs. W. Meloy, Blaine township; Mrs. Hattie Adams and George A. Keenan, Independence township; "Shimp" of Washington; Clark Hensly and Misses Blanche, Cora and Bessie at home. He was a member of Zion U.B. Church. The funeral services took place on Wednesday at 10 a.m. conducted by Rev. Frank Fish.
Friday August 12, 1897 Local B.L. Chapman left Monday morning for Bethesda, Ohio and will return with his family, Miss Celia Wilson is clerking in the store during his absence.
Friday, August 12, 1898 Donley The Old Folks Reunion Those in charge of the reunion of the old citizens at Zion made a wise choice in selection Saturday as the date of that event. The day was a fine one for the purpose between 400 and 500 people where brought together and spent a delightful day. Throughout the affair was entirely was entirely successful: West Middletown, Taylorstown, West Alexander and Claysville were well represented. Entirely fitting was the selection of A.A. Mealy, aged 83, as chairman. No one would have thought, from his composure, that he was the same person who had shown so much anxiety about not getting out in time to get his share of fried chicken and began the exercises. It was held in the grove near the church. Seat were arranged just below the speakers stand. The chair was stationed on the ground and interspersed music during the exercises. Rev. J.A. Craig made the opening prayers. Tom C. Snodgrass welcomed the people in a neat speech. Ill health absenting Rev. J.W.W. Wilson, Rev. W.H. Kirkland made a Timely response. Miss Emma Sawhill was ill and unable to attend. The dinner was a good one, with ample provision for all. A social hour succeeded the dinner. At 2 o'clock the afternoon exercises began. Rev. Kirkland offered a prayer and Miss Effie Sargeant gave a recitation, "The Battle of Manila," and Miss Susie Brockman recited, "Remember the Maine." Both were good. Daniel Sheller, aged 82, sand a song in German, "Christ on the Cross." On account of his wife taking a sudden sick spell, Prof. J.D. Trussell was unable to be present, though prepared for his address on "School Houses and School Days of Long Ago." Rev. G.W. Birch,D.D., represented his father, Hon. John Birch, and made a pleasing talk, recounting the old school songs and the Dutch Fork people he knew as a boy. Brief talks were made by these aged citizens: Daniel Sheller, David Winters, G.W. Ritchey and George Plants. The latter showed an old ink bottle and spelling book used during his school days. Rev. George C. Cooke gave a "Historical Sketch of the Old Citizens, Old times and The Beginning of Zion Church." He said: It is rather difficult for us who are young in years to go back a century or more and gather facts when scarcely any record has been kept. Of course a great many of the old citizens are forgotten. Among the first of the pioneers was William Sheller, one of the early settlers of Donegal township, who was born in Germany, in 1746, and died in 1816. He was a member of the German Reformed church and was buried in Zion graveyard. He was grandfather of Daniel Sheller. Another of the old pioneers was Christopher Winter, born in Germany in 1752, and came to this area as a young man. He was married and settled down on the farm now owned by F.W. Lindville. He donated the ground which now stands the church and school house and was looked upon as the father of Zion church. He was the grandfather of David Winters. He died in 1823, and was buried in the Zion graveyard. Hootman, whose name became quite prominent in story, was also a citizen of Donegal township and of German birth. He served as a Hessian soldier in the day of the British and came here during the Revolutionary war. However, as soon as an opportunity presented itself, the brave young German deserted the British ranks, and enlisted as a drummer boy with the patriots in their struggle for liberty. At the close of the war he remained in America and located here about 1780, where he remained until his death in 1859, after a life of nearly a century, he was laid to rest on his own farm just below Dunsfort. He was one of the oldest members of the church. Daniel Rice, upon whos farm Rice's Fort was located, was for many years a leader in the Old German Reformed church. Perry McCoy should not be forgotten. He lived on his farm near Acheson. Wolfgang Newcomer, who was Bishop of the U.B. church and who traveled as an evangelist from 1795 to 1830, often stayed with him overnight, as mentioned by him in his journal. In the early days, and among the earliest settlers were the Deeds, and Millers, Capt. Jake Miller, William Barnhart, David Simmons, Andrew Deeds. The people at this time were hospitable, as Rev. John Fahl, one of our early preachers says, every cabin door open for our reception. The people often came to preaching through the woods from 5 or 6 miles carrying their guns with them. The Indians were numerous in those days as well as dangerous. After sketching the churches, etc., the following menus were given: For breakfast: potato soup, coffee, corn bread, and butter. For dinner: sauer kraut, fat flitch, milk and bread. For supper: Johnny cake, mush and lots of beef. All the preaching out of this settlement was in German in the early days and the first English preacher sent by the conference was Rev. John Wallace, a Scotchman, who came about 1830. He held services in the frist church built on this ground, constructed of hewed loge, two stories, and a large gallery. In 1803, great revivals took place through their section under the preaching of Rev.'s Fremmer, Berger and Newcomer, all United Brethern preachers, who used both German and English. Rev. Jacob Winter was probably the most efficient pioneer evangelist of that time. He was born in this county in 1780 and licensed to preach in 1808. The U.B. church was established in Western Pennsylvania largely through his instrumentality. Under the pastorate of Jacop Ritter, in 1839, on account of charge of discipline and its enforcement, a dissension took place and one party built a new church on the Mehaffey farm and afterward vacated. The present church was built in 1859. End.
Friday, August 19, 1898 Local E.E. Duck came up from Metz, W.Va., Saturday to spend a short shut down. Attorney H. L. Kirk returned to Parkersburg, Monday, after calling upon his friends. Rev. W.E. Henry and wife, at Waynesburg, are spending a few days at the home of Matthias Rush. Thomas Chapman and sister Lena, of Sugar Grove, were guests of B.L. Chapman and wife last week.
Friday, August 26, 1898 Donley A.C. Chapman was a delegate to the Democratic Convention at Washington, Monday. Mr. And Mrs. Chapman leave this week for an extended visit through the west. A.L. Chapman, of Evanston, Ill, expects to be at Dutch Fork, Sept. 4. Daniel McPherson is having his house, barn, and other buildings painted. Ross and Noble, of Claysville, are doing the work.
Friday, August 26, 1898 West Alexander Funeral of Mrs. Carrie L. Henderson, wife of Thomas Henderson, took place Wednesday; interment in the cemetery here. She was a daughter of A.W. Kimmons, of this place. A.McConn of Elm Grove, spent Sabbath with his brothers, Thomas and James McConn. James P. Reed, of near this place, who has been suffering from fever, we are glad to report is improving. Local Notice-My wife has left my bed and board and notis is hereby given that I will pay no debts contracted by her. Frank Mustard, Claysville, Pa. Beham Samuel McNinch, of West Alexander, and C.A. Chapman and John W. Sliffe, of Claysville, were guests of friends here this week. Local J.A. Hamilton of Pittsburgh, who is on his way to Denver, Colo., for the benefit of his health, visited his sister, Mrs. Elmer Duck, Saturday and Sunday. Mortuary Record, Friday, August 26, 1898 Mrs Theodore Henderson Mrs. Carrie Lee, wife of Theodore Henderson, died at her home here, Monday night, August 22, 1898, of consumption aged 35 years. She leaves besides her husband, two children, Ralph and Lillian. She was a daughter of A.W. Kimmons, of West Alexander, and a sister of Mrs. William McCausland, of Washington. Mrs. Henderson was held in high esteem by those who knew her. She was a member of the Presbyterian church in this place. Funeral services were conducted at her late home on Wednesday morning, by Rev. Frank Fish, assisted by Rev. Ad. Craig. The interment was in West Alexander Cemetery. Rev. Lester officiating.
Friday, September 2, 1898 Rev. Andrew L. Chapman is expected home from Evanston, Illinois, on Saturday morning. It may not be generally known that sometime ago "Andy" proposed the question "wilt thou?" to a young lady, and she said she would. The young lady in question was Miss Mae C. Childs, of Greensburg, Indiana So on, Thursday, September 1st, they were united in marriage at the home of the bride who accompanies him on his trip here. They will be guests of John Holmes for a few days, when they leave for Washington City in company with Miss Nannie Chapman on a visit to his sister's, Misses Dessie and Florence. Mrs. Chapman is a graduate of Bethany College, and has also taken a course in a training school for nurses, and will be well fitted for the duties devolving upon her as a missionary's wife. Rev. chapman will preach at Dutch Fork Christian Church on Sunday and this will probably be the last opportunity his friends in this section will have of hearing him before his departure for Constantenople.
Fridday, September 9, 1898 [Nothing of interest this day. ]
Friday, September 16, 1898 [Nothing of interest this day.]
Friday, September 30, 1898 Sherman McConn left Monday for New Canton, Illinois to resume his work on a dairy farm, where he spent several winters.
Friday, October 7, 1898 Local P.R. Chapman and wife, of Sugar Grove, have returned after a weeks visit to friends here.
Friday, October 14, 1898 Donely Henry Chapman and wife have returned from an extended tour through some of the western states. Henry reports an excellent time. Mag. Shaler shot a hawk last week which measured four feet, six inches from tip to tip.
Friday, October 21, 1898 Donley John Cunningham is making some necessary repairs on the Brown school house. William Miller is having a new residence erected this fall. Magnus Shaler, contractor.--Publishers
Friday, October 28, 1898 Taylorstown E.E. Duck, and family moved from Claysville to this place last Monday.
Friday, November 4, 1898 West Alexander A.W. Kimmins, proprietor of the Hotel Central with his family removed Monday to Allegheny, where he will engage in a semilar business. Sam'l Morrison, a son in law, of Mr. Kimmins will have charge of Hotel Central this winter. Mrs. James McConn and daughter, Margaret, spent Tuesday with friends in Wheeling.
Friday, November 11, 1898 Donley Mrs. Frye, of near Beham, is spending a few weeks at the home of her son-in-law, Noah Miller. She is confined to her room with rheumatism.
Friday, December 9, 1898 Roney's Point Miss Margaret Supler, formerly of this place died at her home in Wheeling on the 27th of November. Interment in Elm Grove Cemetery.
Friday, January 6, 1899 Mrs. John Crow On Wednesday, December 14, Miss Nellie Marinda, a highly esteemed young lady, became the happy bride of John Crow, at Sherrard, W.Va., on Tuesday, morning the 3rd, she lay at death's embrace, a sorrowful end to a honeymoon promising a happy wedded life. They came to this place on a visit to M.C. Crow, of near town. Mrs. Jacob Miller, near Dunsfort, and other relative, and it was Mrs. Miller's home her death occurred, from typhoid-pneumonia, after an illness of 10 days, aged about 22 years. The funeral took place on Thursday. Interment at Sherrard. She was a faithful member of the M.E. Church there and a teacher in the Sunday School. Mr. Crow's many friends sympathize with him deeply in his sudden affliction.
Friday, January 13, 1899. West Alexander Nancy Sheller has gone to spend the winter with her sister, Mrs. Mary Mehaffy, near Dunsfort. Taylorstown Elmer Duck went to Mannington Thursday to work in that field.
Friday, January 20, 1899 Mrs. Margaret M'Adoo Mrs. Margaret, relect of the late John McAoo of Donegal township died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sarah Jane McAdoo, near Wellsburg, on Wednesday, January 11, 1899, of grip, aged 79 years. Mrs. McAdoo was married twice, the first time to George Anderson, and in 1865, was married to John McAdoo. Her maiden name was Miller. Funeral services were held at the home of hers on, Henry on Friday, conducted by Rev. Tilock of the Dutch Fork Christian Church of which she was a constant member. The interment was at Zion. She is survived by three sons and a daughter. Mrs. McAdoo, of Brook County, W.Va., joseph Anderson, of Donegal township, and George Anderson of Claysville.
Friday, January 24, 1899 The funeral of James McCammon, of near this place, occurred Wednesday from his late home. He had been suffering from kidney trouble several years. Deceased was 84 years old. Beside the aged widow, surviving are Robert, of Ohio; Parker, of Wheeling; john, George, Craven and Lester of near this place, and Mrs. John Rodgers with whom the parents resided, is the only daughter. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, his pastor, Rev. Lester, conducted the services.
Friday, February 10, 1899 Reminiscences of the Local Pioneer Life, by Dr. J.C. Hupp. Addition to Frank Hupp Story About three miles south of West Alexander, Pennsylvania and on the right bank of Middle Wheeling Creek, and on the land now owned by the Robert Erskine heirs, was the site of Links cabin. We were once piloted by S.M. Bell, Esq., and the venerable William Porter, Sr. to the spot where 120 years ago, this rude cabin stood. Traces of its ruins were still to be seen. It stood only a few feet from the West Virginia line. Hawkins' cabin stood a few feet south of there the National Road is now, located, within easy view of Vienna, on the B. & O. Railroad, and near the foot of what is known as "Hawkin's Hill" on land owned by George Cunningham. The stable on the north side of the road here was constructed of the logs from this ancient cabin. This infant was William Hawkins, who was County Surveyor of Washington County, from 1809 to 1815. Link was not so successful as Miller in his endeavors to escape. He was dragged along with the Indians to their villages beyond the Ohio, and tradition says that some two weeks after his capture he was brought back in to the neighborhood and taken upon the hill back of his own cabin, and in full view of it; where he was set up as a target and shot by the Indians. His remains were enterred by the side of those of Hupp and Fisher, and about midway between his cabin and the creek. The cut through the county road has disturbed the supulchre of these pioneer martyrs. Here at the roadside the venerable William Porter, Sr., has frequently picked portions of human bones out of the crumbling bank. Miss Hawkins was carried by her captors to their haunts in the interior of Ohio. Here she was led in triumpt to the wigwam and with due form and ceremony adopted into the tribe. She soon learned to reciprocate that disinterested tenderness with which she was so affectionately loved by the mother of her adoption. Many years after she had been wedded to Shawnee Chief, she returned to the neighborhood on a visit to her pale-faced relatives. But the dull monotony of civilized life having lost all charms for her, she soon returned to her wild Indian home. The "Old Gun" and ermnants of the equipments carried by Jacob Rowe on this occasion are now in the possession of the writer of this narrative.
Friday, March 10, 1899 Donley Christopher Shaler, an old citizen to make his home with his son, John Shaler. Alexander Chapman is a guest at Henry Chapman's. Shaler's removed their sawmill this week from Wilson Linville's to the Mehaffey farm.
Friday, March 31, 1899 Easter Sunday, 1782, At Miller's Blockhouse on Dutch Fork, by Dr. J.C. Hupp In the spring of 1782, Indian hostilities commenced much earlier that usual along the western frontier, as early as the month of March, hordes of savages were ascertained to have crossed the Ohio and were making their way into the settlements. The settlement, thus threatened with the massacres, plunderings, burning, and captivities with which they already become accustomed to were filled with spirit and excitement, conmingled with alarm. In this predicament of apprehension and danger, the settlers along the Buffalo valley betook themselves, with their families, to the forts and blockhouses. About three miles north east of West Alexander, Washington County, Pennsylvania, on the bank of the Dutch Fork, of Buffalo, is a peninsular formed by the meandering creek on the one side Miller's run on the other side. The isthmus next to the run is skirted by a narrow strip of bottom land which expands to many acres towards the creek, and its confluence with the run. The side of the isthmus washed by the creek has a bold, precipitous bluff. On this isthmus was located Miller's Blockhouse, was besieged by a party of about seventy Shawnees on Easter Sunday, [April 7,] 1782. With their characteristic cunning and caution the Indians arrived in the vicinity the night previously distributing themselves in ambush around the blockhouse, and along the paths leading there to. Thus lying concealed among the bushes or "pea vines," they awaited the operation of circumstances. Nearly all of the men were absent from the blockhouse on this occasion; some of them, being at rice's Fort, which was about two miles further down the creek of this fact the Indians most likely were apprised, and on this account the attack on the blockhouse is sup- [rest gone will add later]
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